Lots of vacation days and high salaries: these are the first things that come to employers' minds when they think about what their employees want. However, the needs of employees have changed significantly in recent years and are rarely fulfilled in reality. For example, over 90 % of employees want more career and further training opportunities^.1 The bitter truth: only 17 % see this as a reality. The classic "9 to 5" model has long since ceased to work for many - so what do employees really want?

New demands on corporate culture

The company car or the money alone are no longer enough - personal and health requirements are coming to the fore instead. Fewer and fewer employees attach importance to material things at work. Nowadays, desires such as a good work-life balance and personal self-realization are in demand. Another phenomenon is also occurring among both the younger and, to some extent, the older generation: The job is right for almost 90% of respondents if it is meaningful. However, only around one in three feel this way about their job^.2

It is no longer enough to use money as bait for applicants and employees in order to attract or retain them. In addition, modern employees want more scope for self-determination and co-decision-making rights within the company. The desire to climb the career ladder is also increasingly disappearing: flat hierarchies and transparent internal communication contribute to employee satisfaction. Despite all this, employees want fair pay - if all this is available, the job becomes a dream job.

Enormous incentive: pleasant working atmosphere

Work is no longer what it used to be. For the majority of employees, it is not just a place where they have to earn money. Instead, the workplace has become a social place where people work together on projects. According to a ZEIT study, 84% of those surveyed feel that it is important to feel good at work^.3 But then comes the reality check: Only 65% state that the feel-good atmosphere at their workplace is satisfactory. Dissatisfied employees are also unmotivated employees. Conversely, this also means poorer performance on the part of the company.

Recognition and appreciation are the be-all and end-all

Modern employees want to be recognized and valued individually. This offers managers great opportunities to successfully manage the company with the appropriate soft skills. The following survey makes this clear: 86% of those surveyed would like to be appreciated by their superiors, both as a person and for their work. In reality, however, the situation is different - only just over half stated that this fully applies to them^.4 In addition, many employees would like to receive further training - an opportunity that only a few are actually guaranteed.

A healthy work-life balance is the key to success

Work, work, work: Employees don't want to be constantly consumed by work. This requires an intelligent and efficient balance between work and private life. This is where THE buzzword of the modern labor market comes into play: a good work-life balance. The more relaxed employees are, the better they can perform at work. Four out of ^five5 German employees feel stressed by their job. To avoid this, employers should provide the necessary framework conditions to promote commitment, productivity and better performance. Offers such as reduced core working hours, sabbaticals and working from home are already available at many companies. Company leisure activities and flexible working hours increase the balance enormously.

Flexible working hours as the working model of the future

Since the coronavirus pandemic at the latest, it has become clear that working looks very different. People can work in the office, at home, on the train, during the day, in the evening or even at the weekend. More self-determination for employees creates a relaxed working atmosphere in which they can perform their tasks more effectively. Nevertheless, limits should be set: When must the employee be available? What applies in the evenings, at weekends or on vacation? Even before the outbreak of the pandemic, almost half of the working population in Germany had the freedom to set their own working hours^.6 Determining working hours leads to dynamic independence for employees - something that most managers would like to see.

Conclusion:

The new world of work demands more flexibility and self-determination. This is exactly what employees want. A good work-life balance makes a significant contribution to employee satisfaction. A good internal working atmosphere and appreciation from superiors are also very important. Personal and professional development are also high on the agenda for most employees.